Resources
This is just a small selection of the hundreds of thousands of websites out there which are of interest to writers. If you have any suggestions of sites you think we should include here, please email us. (We do not list purely commercial sites.)
The web is constantly changing and no page of this kind can ever be completely up-to-date, so please let us know if you find a problem with one of the links listed.
| This list is provided as a general guide to organisations which members may find of interest. However, inclusion in the list does not necessarily constitute a recommendation or endorsement by the Society. Members are strongly advised to make their own enquiries and form their own judgement before making use of any services offered. | |
| Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) | The professional association for authors who self-publish |
| Arte Umbria | Residential creative writing courses with expert tuition, held in Italy. |
| The Arvon Foundation | Annual programme of residential creative writing courses and retreats |
| Association of Christian Writers (ACW) | Support, events, resources and advice for writers who are Christians |
| Authors Aloud | Organising author, poet, illustrator and storyteller visits to schools and libraries |
| Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS) | Ensuring authors receive fair payment for copying and other secondary uses of their work |
| BBC Writers Room | Opportunities, events and advice for scriptwriters, finding and championing talent across all BBC platforms |
| Bloomsbury Institute | The Bloomsbury Institute hosts literary events in London for books lovers, academics and readers |
| The Bookseller | For the latest news and jobs in the world of books and publishing |
| The British Library | The national library of the UK. Visitor information, exhibitions, events, online catalogues and research opportunities |
| Chawton House | Internationally respected research and learning centre for the study of early women’s writing from 1600 to 1830. House and grounds, formerly the home of Jane Austen’s brother, open to the public. Now forging ongoing links with the SWWJ |
| Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) | Supports, promotes and celebrates the crime genre, and administers the annual Dagger Awards |
| DACS | Campaigning for visual artists’ rights. Collecting and distributing royalties for published images and illustrations |
| English Association | Furthering knowledge, enjoyment and teaching of the English language |
| English Speaking Union | Global educational charity, promoting communication skills through use of the English language |
| J.A.B.S. Productions | Film production company with Jane Fookes, Anne Murray, Benita Cullingford and Sharon Hoyland |
| Garsdale Retreat | Centre for residential creative writing courses and retreats. |
| The Guild of Food Writers | Professional organisation of food writers and broadcasters in the UK. Support, guidance and awards |
| Historical Novel Society | Promoting all aspects of historical fiction, for both readers and writers |
| International Women’s Writing Guild | USA-based network for the professional and personal empowerment of women through writing |
| London Book Fair | Annual exhibition and global marketplace for rights negotiation and sales across print, digital and other media |
| London Press Club | The Club provides opportunities for journalists and others interested in the media to meet and learn of new developments, debate the latest issues and explore our collective past as communicators |
| Mslexia | Monthly magazine for women who write. Competitions, workshops and submission opportunities |
| National Association of Writers’ Groups (NAWG) | Network and directory of UK writing groups, with information, competitions and an annual festival for members |
| National Union of Journalists (NUJ) | The union for journalists and media professionals, campaigning for improved pay and conditions, the protection of media freedom and ethical standards |
| The Poetry Society | Arts organisation with a mission to advance the study, use and enjoyment of poetry. Courses, competitions and prizes |
| Public Lending Right (PLR) | Distributing payments to UK authors whose works are borrowed from public libraries |
| Romantic Novelists’ Association | Promoting romantic fiction and representing authors, agents, editors and other professionals working in the genre |
| Royal Literary Fund | UK charity that has been helping authors since 1790. It provides grants and pensions to writers in financial difficulty and places writing fellows in universities to offer writing support to students |
| Royal Society of Literature | Celebrating British literature, past and present. Events, masterclasses, awards and grants for writers |
| Second Light Live | Support network for women poets. News, workshops, events and competitions for members |
| Society of Authors | Protecting the rights and furthering the interests of UK writers. Events, grants and prizes. Advice and contract vetting for members |
| Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) | International professional organisation of writers and illustrators of children’s literature. Events, speakers, grants and awards |
| Society for Editors and Proofreaders | Professional organisation for editors and proofreaders offering advice and training for members and associates |
| Swanwick Writers Summer School | The oldest residential writers’ conference in the world, held annually in Derbyshire |
| The Word Cloud | A free community where writers can read each other’s work, offer comments and get feedback; forums for discussing books, scripts and writing, as well as regular competitions |
| The Word factory | London-based organisation for short story excellence. Masterclasses, talks and social ‘salons’. |
| Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre | National writing centre of Wales: tutor-led writing courses, retreats and school trips |
| Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook | Annual guide to all aspects of publishing and the media, including listings of agents, publishers and markets |
| Writers’ Guild of Great Britain | Negotiates minimum terms agreements; mainly for TV and theatre writers |
| Writers Holiday | Annual residential writers’ holiday held in Wales, with speakers, courses and events |
| Writers’ Forum | Monthly magazine – news, articles, market information, competitions |
| Writers Online / Writing Magazine | Internet creative writing community, home of Writing Magazine, home study courses, competitions and the talkback online forum |
| The Writers’ Workshop | The Writers’ Workshop is the world’s leading consultancy for first time writers. We offer professional feedback on your work, run courses, hold events, host a mass of free advice on this site, and we talent scout for literary agents |
| Business Pundit | The Business of becoming a writer. |
Associated organisations.
The Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society (ALCS)
Ensuring authors receive fair payment for copying and other secondary uses of their work.
Chawton House
Internationally respected research and learning centre for the study of early women’s writing from 1600 to 1830. House and grounds, formerly the home of Jane Austen’s brother, open to the public. Now forging ongoing links with the SWWJ.
The National Liberal Club
Venue for many of our celebratory events and for Council meetings from 2018.
London Press Club
Long established organisation with links to SWWJ.